Premier League Kicks

21 November 2016

Matt Hudson

U's Community scheme launches new project.

Colchester United Football in the Community are delighted to announce the launch on our new Premier League Kicks Programme in partnership with The Premier League, The Essex Police Crime Commission and Colchester Borough Council Safer Colchester Partnerships.

The Colchester United Premier League Kicks project got underway in mid-November and is going to be rolled out across three key areas in and around Colchester where there will be free sports sessions for all participants aged between 11 and 18.

Not only will Colchester United be providing free sporting provision, but their Kicks programme also includes planned enrichment workshops from partner organisations such as Only Cowards Carry, Essex FA and charities such as Hope Not Hate.

Take a look at our Premier League Kicks information HERE.

"The Premier League is delighted that Colchester United is joining the hugely successful Premier League Kicks programme. Through our partnership with Sport England, we have been able to expand the programme to more clubs to enable even more communities to benefit.” Nick Perchard, The Premier League said.

Tom Tayler, Colchester United Football in the Community Kicks Development Officer added: "
"We have had terrific support not only from our funding partners but also from our delivery partners who are going to enhance our project giving the participants the opportunity to take part in various workshops.

It's great news for us and also the local communities in Colchester that we have managed to put a project together to give young people sporting and learning opportunities outside of the school environments they are used to.

Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "
"Involvement with football can help build confidence and the discipline of working as part of a team.

I’m a great believer in providing young people with opportunities, and potentially diverting them away from trouble.

"It’s good to see Colchester United and other local football clubs playing an active role in our communities, and this project – linked to the national Premier League Kicks programme – should help provide hope and inspiration for young people."

Pam Donnelly, Chair of the Safer Colchester Partnership said: "I’m delighted that the Safer Colchester Partnership is supporting this important project.

"There can be no doubt that providing opportunities for young people to participate in sport and other activities that focus on their health and well-being can be measured not only in terms of the numerous benefits for those taking part, but also in positive returns to the whole community, in the form of less crime and less anti-social behaviour."

Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, concluded: "I’m glad the Council is able to provide facilities to enable Colchester United’s Kicks Project to deliver such an excellent programme of events.

"This is a really exciting scheme that I’m absolutely certain will make a positive difference to lots of young people in the Borough, especially those who it can sometimes be hard to engage."

The Kicks project is due to start across three venues the week commencing Monday 14th November 2016 with the below sessions currently confirmed:-

For any more information on our Colchester United Football in the Community Premier League Kicks Project, please contact Tom Tayler on either 01206 755168 or by e-mail on tom.tayler@colchesterunited.net.